Sientra 285cc vs 315cc, is there much of a difference?

Question

Hello! According to my consultation, my BWD is 10cm. I have minimal breast tissue, if at all, my surgeon recommended the Sientra HP 285cc. Would there be a big difference going to the next size up; Sientra HP 315cc? According to Sientra's catalog, the width of the 285cc one is 11cm. The 315cc one is 11.1cm. Will this make a big difference? I am 26, 5'4", 115 pounds. I plan on having the incision at the inframammary fold and the implant placed underneath the muscle. Thank you for your help!

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Thank you for the question. Depending on the patient's body type and goals, a 30 cc difference in breast implant volume may or may not create a "much of a difference".  For example,  for a more petite patient, even small increments in volume may make a significant difference in final outcome;  for "larger" patients, the same difference in volume may not be clinically noticeable.
Ultimately, careful selection of plastic surgeon and careful communication of your goals (in my practice I prefer the use of goal pictures, direct examination/communication in front of a full-length mirror, in bra sizers, and computer imaging) as well as careful measurements (dimensional planning) will be critical.
Given that your surgery is coming up soon, I would suggest that you spend additional time communicating your goals/concerns directly with your plastic surgeon, preferably prior to the date of surgery. One question that might be helpful to you: will you be more disappointed if you are slightly too small or slightly too big?
 Generally speaking, the best online advice I can give to ladies who are considering breast augmentation surgery ( regarding breast implant size/profile selection) is:
1. Concentrate on choosing your plastic surgeon carefully. Concentrate on appropriate training, certification, and the ability of the plastic surgeon to achieve the results you are looking for. ***Ask to see lots of examples of his/her work.
2. Have a full discussion and communication regarding your desired goals with your plastic surgeon. This communication will be critical in determining breast implant size/type/profile will most likely help achieve your goals. 
In my practice, the use of photographs of “goal” pictures (and breasts that are too big or too small) is very helpful. For example, I have found that the use of words such as “natural” or "C or D cup” etc means different things to different people and therefore prove unhelpful.
Also, as you know, cup size varies depending on him who makes the bra; therefore, discussing desired cup size may also be inaccurate. Again, the use of computer imaging has been very helpful during the communication process, in our practice.
3. Once you feel you have communicated your goals clearly, allow your plastic surgeon to use his/her years of experience/judgment to choose the breast implant size/profile that will best meet your goals. Again, in my practice, this decision is usually made during surgery, after the use of temporary intraoperative sizers.
I hope this (and the attached link, dedicated to breast augmentation surgery concerns) helps. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Donald Groves, MD · Answer

Hello and thank you for your question. Honestly, a formal in-person evaluation would be needed to determine the best treatment. There are several reasons for this: 
1) Bra sizes vary based on the clothing store (for example, Victoria's Secret tends to upsize everyone by a whole cup size)
2) Most women do not wear the proper exact fitting bra size for their bodies
3) The exact volume (in cc) needed to change cup size is different for different body types (e.g. 32A to 32D requires a different implant size than 38A to 38D)
4) Be careful NOT to fall into the trap most women do- they see a certain implant size (e.g. 285 cc) or perhaps their friend had a certain size, and they want or request this or another size based on that. Everyone's body is different- 285 cc implants on your friend might look VERY different than they would on you. Be very careful not to make this mistake, because the goal is to find the right size and shape for YOU- for your particular body and your breasts.

Because of those multiple factors, and because it is KEY to fully evaluate your breasts in person to make a full set of precise measurements to select the proper implant for you (incorporating factors like amount of breast tissue, implant type, base width, projection, etc), answering your question really would need a formal personalized consultation- to say anything before that would simply be guessing, which would be both unfair and unhelpful to you. Also, just FYI, each surgeon's measurements are slightly different, so numbers, experience, and overall aesthetic from one surgeon aren't necessarily the same as those from another surgeon!

Your breasts are such a KEY area of your body and your femininity- therefore, you should ONLY trust an experienced aesthetic plastic surgeon. As such an expert, I have had extensive training and experience with complex aesthetic surgeries under a multiple world-renowned experts in the field. I’d recommend for you to setup a formal consultation with me (or another plastic surgeon who is extremely comfortable with aesthetic plastic surgery procedures) for a formal consultation to thoroughly discuss your surgical goals, undergo a formal examination, evaluate all your options (surgical and nonsurgical), and decide on the best procedure(s) and type of anesthesia for your specific case. I hope this helps!

Dr. Donald Groves
Aesthetic Plastic Surgeon

Steven J. Rottman, MD, FACS · Answer

Thank you for your question. "Tissue based planning" relies on your chest and breast measurements and is the safest way to ensure good long term results. Your surgeon should determine what size and projection are necessary to give you your desired result based on your body's measurements. The best way to assess and give true advice would be an in-person exam. Please see a board-certified plastic surgeon that specializes in aesthetic breast surgery. Hope this helps and good luck with your surgery.

Todd C. Case, MD · Answer

The 30 cc difference is equivalent to an ounce or a shot glass in volume.  Visually, you will look a little fuller.  You should be able to go with the larger implant.  0.1 mm in width is not significant between the implants.

Sientra 285cc vs 315cc, is there much of a difference?

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Answer: Does 315 versus 285 make a big difference?

Answer: Does 315 versus 285 make a big difference?

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Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

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Sientra 285cc vs 315cc, is there much of a difference?

Answers (4)

Answer: Does 315 versus 285 make a big difference?

Answer: Does 315 versus 285 make a big difference?

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Sientra Breast Implants

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.